The Hamilton-Waikato region lays just South of Auckland. It is known as a land of lush pastures and was chosen as a venue for The Hobbit and The Shire in The Lord of the Rings films. If you are visiting Hamilton, you would definitely want to check out Hamilton-Waikato for its rolling green hills, black sand surf beaches, and other underground wonders. This region offers a wealth of nature-based attractions and activities for adventure seekers. While you are busy packing your bags for a holiday trip to Hamilton, don’t forget to book Hamilton bus hire to ensure a convenient ride to any of these destinations.
Waitomo Caves
Waitomo is home to a labyrinth of caves, underground rivers, and sinkholes. The location derives its names from the Maori words tomo (meaning hole) and wai (meaning water). Although the Waitomo Caves village itself is small, it has not stopped itself from becoming a major tourist attraction. Waitomo is also renowned for their population of glowworms called Arachnocampaluminosa. As a visitor, you can visit easy-to-access caves. You can choose to crawl or raft through those caves according to your physical abilities and interests.
Today, there are approximately 300 known limestone caves below the hills of the Waitomo region. The main caves include Gardner’s Gut, Aranui Cave, Ruakuri Cave, and Waitomo Glowworm Cave. You can be sure that these caves are home to some beautiful helicti, stalagmites, stalactites, and other cave decorations.
If you are solely into adventure, you can try the unique experience of abseiling or zip-lining through the darkness or the famed black water rafting. Whatever exploration choice you make, you are bound to agree Waitomo Caves are a wonder of nature.
Maungatautari Ecological Reserve
The reserve is located approximately 50 minutes from Hamilton. The main highlights include weta boxes, bird watching, and mountain sceneries. You can start your adventure by walking the Te Tui a Taane (also known as the Southern Enclosure) and get up close with the self-sustaining forest and native birds. The popular walk in the reserve is family-friendly and appeals to all ages. It is a 5 km track that winds through New Zealand forest, and past weta and kaka nest boxes. The alternative route you can take is the nearby Tautari track. It passes through a wetland valley that surrounds a lake. You may be pleased to know that guided tours are available for the Sanctuary Mountain track as well.
Raglan
Raglan is a surfing mecca as well as a lively and creative town. Located 45 minutes from Hamilton, you will be able to catch a wave and sip great espressos from a wonderful choice of cafés. When you arrive at Raglan, you will be captivated by the area of black sand coastline that is truly scenic. Many people around the world believe that the Manu Bay on this coast features the most accessible, longest, and consistent left-hand break in the world. Provided that you possess the required level of skill, you can enjoy the experience of catching a wave and cruising for up to two kilometres!
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
Another excellent activity for adventure seekers when visiting Hamilton is to walk the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway. You will be able to travel alongside the Ohinemuri River, discover mining relics, and experience the large Karangahake Gorge. Along the way to Owharoa Falls, you will spot that the walking track mirrors the bends of the Ohinemuri River, along with a range of signs of the old railway times. The location can be reached within an hour from Hamilton, via Paeroa-Tahuna Road.
Mount Maungatautari and Arapuni
The next consideration is to spend a day exploring Arapuni Power Station and Mount Maungatautari. Although they are almost side by side, they are known to offer contrasting experiences. Mount Maungatautari is a forest-clad volcanic peak that is located south east of Hamilton. Do take note that a pest-proof fence will soon surround the mountain. You are allowed to enter the fenced zones to walk an array of tracks. The great thing about the track is that they are fairly dry underfoot, well marked, and feature steps in certain places.
Arapuni Hydro Power Station is the oldest operating power station located on the Waikato River. It was built in 1929 and protected under the Historic Places Trust. You should check out its suspended footbridge as it is one of the most memorable features of the forested gorge.
Pirongia Forest Park
At the Pirongia Forest Park, you can enjoy the unique experience of reaching mountain summits, exploring caves, and capturing alluring views of the dramatic river gorges. Don’t forget to nibble a leaf of the horopito bush while you discover New Zealand’s native spices! The park features three extinct volcanos: Mount Karioi, The Cone, and Mount Pirongia. As there is a wide variety of walking tracks available in this forest park, you can enjoy one hour nature rambles to hours of epic adventures! Check out the Kaniwhaniwha Caves. It is going to require a short hands-and-knees crawl. Do note that the cave is wet underfoot and it is recommended that you equip a torch as well.
Pureora Forest Park
In this glorious 78,000 hectare forest reserve, you can explore a magical world of clear rivers, tall trees, and melodious birdlife. Pureora Forest Park is one of the largest intact tracts of native forest and has a high conservation value for its animal habitats and plant life. Some of the popular activities here include forest walks, swimming, picnicking, and camping. One of the main highlights is climbing Mount Pureora which is 1,165 metres. There is a specially built forest tower that takes visitors right up into the forest canopy. It allows you to listen to the chorus of songs that are sung from the many native birds that live here. Another beautiful Pureora Forest Park location is the famed Waihora Lagoon Walk. It is a 20 minute walk and is surrounded by tall kahikatea and rimu trees.
Using bus hire in Hamilton while travelling in a big group is a more economical option than booking cabs. You will be able to avoid any trouble in road navigation, and get to your desired destinations in a safe and convenient manner.